Built on a flood plain, Najomtien housing project again hit with flooding

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For the third straight year, more than 4,600 families in a Najomtien housing project are suffering from a series of deep and fast floods.

Sattahip Mayor Phawat Lertmukda and Najomtien Permanent Secretary Nathee Ditthabanjong toured the Ouay Athorn development in Moo 2. Comprised of 96 three-story buildings, each housing 48 families, the village is located on a flood plain and was struck again Nov. 19 with sudden flooding that ran a meter deep.

The Royal Thai Navy’s Construction and Development Department in Sattahip sent three trucks to the project to assist flooded residents in moving their belongings and to deliver water pumps to clear the water. The root of the problem, however, isn’t as easily solved.

Flooding continues at the Ouay Athorn development in Sattahip, affecting up to 4,600 families. Flooding continues at the Ouay Athorn development in Sattahip, affecting up to 4,600 families.

Nathee said the housing project is spread over 100 rai on land that acts as a natural drainage canal for rain for the rest of Najomtien and Pattaya. Residents over the lower floors of each building have suffered water damage and property loss for the past three years.

The only permanent solution to the flooding is to either abandon and relocate the residences, dig new drainage canals or construct barriers to protect the homes.